Master the art of weathering
A properly weathered finish can turn nearly any model into an amazing and unique depiction of the real thing. Four professionals share their tips and techniques to help you in your quest for authenticity.
Professional tips and techniques.
“Don’t be afraid to experiment – an airbrush should become your friend, not something to fear!”
There’s no doubt that weathering can be the difference between a good model and a superb model. And yet it’s not just a matter of throwing lots of dirt at a subject. Four expert modellers share some of their trade secrets.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE?
When starting your weathering project, it helps to have an image, either in your head or as a photograph, of what you want to replicate. You can usually find prototype images for a particular weathering effect if you’re prepared to search them out in print or online.
WORK SAFELY
Although a lot of weathering processes can be done without the use of an airbrush, it can be an invaluable tool. However, it comes with some health risks. It’s imperative, whether you’re spraying acrylic or enamel paints, to wear a suitable face mask, capable of filtering vapours – a cheap dust mask is of no use. Even if you’re spraying outside, wear a mask because you won’t be able to see the vapours which you’ll otherwise be inhaling. When working indoors, an extraction system is recommended to protect both yourself and your family. Thinners are volatile solutions, so ensure that you take notice of the health and safety guidelines supplied.
NEW TECHNIQUES
Most people stick to techniques that they’re familiar with, but don’t be afraid to try new ones. Some excellent weathering methods can be seen in military modelling publications and many can be transferred to railway modelling. Above all, don’t be afraid to experiment, and remember – an airbrush should become your friend, not something to fear!
DON’T RUSH OR GET DISHEARTENED
Some aspects of weathering can’t be rushed, due to varying drying times, so don’t be tempted to move on until the surface is completely dry. Errant fingerprints will likely necessitate a full or partial strip-down, so be patient. The quality of the finish is often proportional to the time spent on a model. If you’re new to weathering, practise as much as you can on older/cheaper items which can be stripped and practised on again and again. This removes the pressure of working on an expensive or fragile model. Don’t feel disappointed if you don’t produce a masterpiece on your first attempt – very few people do! It’s all down to practice and becoming familiar with new tools and techniques. Further down the path, you’ll look back at previous attempts and have a laugh, knowing that you’ve become more competent.
FINISHING TOUCHES
All too often some beautifully weathered items are let down by not being finished off properly. For example, at Grimy Times we’d never send a steam locomotive out without a real coal load – a moulded load looks totally out of place. Add features such as oil and water leaks from cylinders, over-spill from filler caps and fuel tanks; they bring your model to life and change it from ‘good’ to ‘exceptional’. Have a look at some of the weathering products on sale in model shops or at exhibitions: there are many more than you may realise. But don’t overlook simple media such as gloss varnish, which is ideal for modelling water spillage. Remember to thin the varnish though – you don’t want ripples to form!